WINTER STORMS AND EXTREME COLD

If there is one thing that can be counted on in Southern WV, it’s that Old Man Winter will visit us on a regular basis and impact our region with several inches, if not feet of snow. Since this is a regular occurrence, preparation is key.

Preparedness Guidelines

Prepare your home and family:

Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.

Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Prepare your car:

Check or have a mechanic check to ensure your vehicle is in good working order.

Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.

Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:

a shovel

windshield scraper and small broom

flashlight

battery powered radio

extra batteries

water

snack food

matches

extra hats, socks and mittens

First aid kit with pocket knife

Necessary medications

blanket(s)

tow chain or rope

road salt and sand

booster cables

emergency flares

fluorescent distress flag

Dress for the weather:

Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

Wear a hat.

Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

During a Winter Storm

Guidelines:

Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

Eat regularly and drink ample fluids.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags.

Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.